AFTER selling out shows during the Shepparton Festival, Awaken Dance Theatre Company returns to the stage for their new production, Automatic, plus a reimagination of Bloom, recently performed at the Woolshed.
The troupe of 25 dancers created Bloom – an original contemporary dance performance exploring the concept of rising to reach one’s full potential – in collaboration with The Australian Ballet Education, who have been mentoring the dancers during a three-year partnership funded by The Fairley Foundation.
For the performers and their families, dancing has been life changing, presenting opportunities, and a safe space to express themselves and to reach their potential.
“Dancing is an art form. It can be a way to express emotions you wouldn’t be able to just by saying them. The best feeling for me, when dancing, is the freedom and joy that it brings to myself,” said 18-year-old Ada Coonerty, who joined Awaken in 2018.
“I may not be the best, but when I dance, it’s my safe place and I feel as if nothing could go wrong,” she said.
Bloom/Automatic is their first double-bill show, where Bloom will be presented in a new theatre setting. For anyone who missed the Shepparton Festival, this immersive experience was originally performed in the round and is a must see.
“Watching these beautiful young women express themselves through dance was heart touching,” said parent, Sue Simpson, reflecting on Bloom. “They put their hearts and souls into their performances, just so committed and dedicated.”
“You will see an amazing bunch of talented kids who are committed to the team environment and work together so well. It is obvious that they all love what they do because it comes out in their performance,” said parent, Bek Moulder.
“The highlight for me would be the music, visual effects, lighting and animation combined with choreography to tell the story of the piece.”
The double-bill show will have two performances on Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2, at Riverlinks Westside. Tickets are on sale now via Riverlinks. Phone 5832 9511 or go to www.riverlinks.com.au
